Re: DreamboatAnnie's Account Talk
Originally Posted by
Mcqlives
Take this for what it is worth but I have been using respirators (and training people on them) for over 23 years. Don't waste your money on anything that looks like a dust mask. At most those masks (Like the N-95) are particulate masks. The 95 actually means that 95% of the particulates that hit that little filter are captured. Two HUGE problems with relying on a mask like this:
1) Viruses are not particulate...they are able to be transferred in microbial quantities.
2) that 95% is only what hits the filter...anything coming in from the sides/under chin/along side nose don't even hit that filter. Maintaining a tight fit with masks like that is virtually impossible unless you are remaining perfectly still with your face motions (no talking).
I'm not saying these masks wouldn't help is a small way but to think that they will protect you from exposure standing near someone that is hacking up a lung is a huge mistake. Then add in the fact that viruses can easily be introduced through your highly vascularized eyes (add goggles and think about entry points on those goggles). If you are infected and wish to reduce the chance of transmission these masks make more sense.
This virus is different than the normal cold/flu virus. How different I can't even guess because there isn't enough being published on it. Confirmed symptoms make you think is it similar to the common cold/flu but the amount of patients developing pneumonia from infection is of a concern. Ancillary information indicates it survives outside of normal media for a considerable length (maybe weeks) of time. This same information suggests that reinfection is a possibility which implies that your own antibodies may not be as effective as they are with cold/flu viruses.
I'm not suggesting anyone should be scared. Only trying to present information that is known. IMHO, I don't think anyone who is healthy has anything to worry about even if they are exposed but again, published (that can be confirmed) information is scarce.
1) "Viruses are not particulate...they are able to be transferred in microbial quantities."
Are N95 Masks Really Effective against the flu?
A little online research will reveal that the flu virus is .17 microns in size. Clearly smaller than even N100 masks can filter out. However, it is critical to understand that the flu virus does not float in the air by itself. The flu virus is transported from patient to patient on droplets of excretions from sneezing and coughing. These particles are typically 5 microns or larger. When a sick patient wears a respirator, the respirator can be very effective at preventing infectious material from leaving the patients body, and when worn by healthy individuals, it prevents inhalation of said material. More importantly, wearing a mask is a excellent way of preventing the user from rubbing or touching their mouth or nose, which is a very high risk factor. At the end of the day will an N95 mask guarantee to protect you from the Flu? No. But it can substantially reduce your risk or receiving or transmitting the disease.
"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other." John Adams 10/11/1798
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